Thomas J. Comerford

A Mass in celebration of his life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, October 1, at St. Philomena’s Church, 386 S. Livingston Ave., Livingston. Visitation will be held at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home of Livingston, 145 E. Mt. Pleasant Ave. on Friday, September 30, 3-8 pm.

Born in Newark, Tom grew up and graduated from Westfield High School in 1955. He received a BA from Seton Hall University and MA from Manhattan College.

Tom was ordained a priest from the Newark Archdiocese in 1963 and served at Sacred Heart Church, Vailsburg and Queen Angels Church in Newark, where he was very active in civil rights causes and sought improvements in public housing.

Returning to graduate school, he received a MSW in Social Work from Fordham University and MBA in Management from Seton Hall University.

In 1976, Tom began a 25 years career with the NJ Division of Youth and Family Services where over time, e managed two district offices in Newark, as well as the East Orange District Office. In addition he served as Acting Assistant Regional Administrator for a year. After 15 years, Tom became the County Service Specialist for Union County. Under his leadership and direction, the Elizabethport Group and Family Center at Pioneer Homes was established in Elizabeth. This project which is believed to be the first of its kind was developed to improve the quality of life in the Port area of Elizabeth and remains active today.

Tom was also an Adjunct Professor of Social Work at Seton Hall University.

Before becoming ill, his active involvement at St. Philomena’s Church included serving on the Parish Council, Eucharistic Minister, RCIA team, CCD teacher and Partnership leader. He also coached local baseball, softball and basketball teams.

He was an avid sports fan especially of the NY Yankees and Giants and Seton Hall basketball teams. He enjoyed traveling, reading, golf and the theater.

Upon retiring in 2001, Tom was active in the Old Guard of Livingston serving as Chaplain and would often collect bread from local merchants to bring to the soup kitchens of Newark.

He is predeceased by his parents Dorothy (Hertig) and Joseph, two brothers Richard and Mark. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Ellen (Walsh) a daughter Pegeen Williams (Robert), a son, Thomas (Tracy), three grandchildren, Brynn and Thomas Comerford and Ellie Williams, all of Livingston; he is also survived by his sister, Judith Barbarito (Edward) of Pequannock.

Tom was a gentlemen with a great sense of humor who inspired and brought out the best in those who knew him. He will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater NJ Chapter, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 08734 (www.alz.org) or the Stella Wright Christian Community Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Vincent Academy, 228 W. Market St., Newark, NJ 07103.